Supreme Impact: the Affordable Care Act Decision and What it Means for Employers, the Insurance Exchange in Illinois, and Health Reform Moving Forward

As widely reported in a much-anticipated opinion, the United States Supreme Court reached a split decision on health care reform, upholding the Individual Mandate provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The court’s decision upheld the ACA, finding the Individual Mandate constitutional pursuant to Congress’s power to tax. The court also addressed the new Medicaid expansion provisions, finding that the provisions did constitute an unconstitutional “coercion” of the states by the federal government.

In the meantime, employers, insurers, providers, consumers, states, and other stakeholders must prepare for the multitude of changes the ACA will bring to the health coverage system in 2014 regardless of who wins the White House in November.

WHAT’S NEXT: For employers, benefits managers, human resource departments and health care specialists – Please click here to read an in-depth analysis prepared by Laura Minzer, Executive Director of the Healthcare Council, discussing the key issues that employers and other stakeholders should be aware as the march towards 2014 continues.

LEARN MORE: Additionally, the Chamber’s Business Services Division is holding a webinar Monday, July 16 beginning at 2:30 p.m. which will address what parts of the law were upheld by the Court and on what basis. The webinar, conducted by the employment law firm of SmithAmundson (who also issued an analysis), will address what this means and does not mean for employers who sponsor health plans, including practical considerations that must be addressed at this point. Please register here.

ILLINOIS CHAMBER HEALTH CARE COUNCIL: This is the venue for member companies to stay informed on the most important developments in healthcare policy, law and regulation. Companies who participate in the Healthcare Council are kept informed, are actively involved in development of the Illinois Chamber’s policy positions, are encouraged to contribute practical insight and guidance, and will benefit from sharing the informed experiences of knowledgeable business professionals.

The Council’s events offer unique opportunities to engage and interact with elected officials, lawmakers, non-elected government policy makers, thought-leaders, peers, customers and service providers. If you are interested in learning more about the Healthcare Council, please contact Laura Minzer, Executive Director of the Illinois Chamber Health Care Council, at 217-522-5512.